Yummy Organic & Natural Candy - Surf Sweets (Review)

1/23/2012 04:20:00 PM The Quirky Thoughts of Retro Girl

If you've read my blog before or follow me on Twitter, you may recall that my son has SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder). As part of trying to help our son become self-regulated and to improve his overall wellness, we have really started watching his diet. We've been on a mission to remove all artificial food dyes and to eliminate harmful preservatives and chemicals that may cause not only behavioral issues, but also pose other health risks as well.  We try to keep his sugar intake low and his chocolate intake as minimal as possible.

With these things in mind, I'm always on the lookout for healthy snacks and treats that I can give Isaac in moderation. He does like an occasional sweet treat - especially around holidays when he realizes others are having sweets.



I was really happy to hear about Surf Sweets recently. They're right here in IL - like us. They make gummy candies and jelly beans that are organically-sweetened that are drenched in fruit flavors and are full of vitamin C. Additionally, their products are free of corn syrup, artificial dyes and flavorings. The candies are gluten-free, and have no wheat, dairy, soy, egg, tree-nuts, peanuts, fish/shellfish sesame or sulfites --making them an allergy-friendly treat! They're made in a nut-free facility and are Casein-Free also! Surf Sweets are stage 2 Feingold diet - approved! They've been mentioned in Food Network Magazine, Women's Health, Gluten-Free Living and the Wall Street Journal, to name a few publications.


They offer fruity bears, gummy bears, sour berry bears, sour  worms, gummy worms, and jelly beans. They come in 2.75 oz bags for about $1.99 and the gummy bears and jelly beans come in .9 oz snack packs as well. You can also buy Snack Pack Multi-packs of the gummy bears and sour berry bears.


Just in time for Valentines Day, they have fruity hearts with cherry & watermelon flavors! 


We tried a sampling of their products - The fruity hearts, jelly beans, gummy bears and sour berry bears. I have been giving Isaac just a few here and there as reward treats, or a few in his lunch bag and he's really enjoyed them. I sampled them as well and find the flavors very tasty, the textures to be just right (not too hard, or too sticky). The sour berry bears are the perfect level of sweetly sour flavor (no super-pucker or teary eyes! LOL). I felt safe giving Isaac Surf Sweets because they are organic and free of all the chemicals and bad stuff other candies have. I like that we have some choices for our son and he doesn't have to feel deprived. I think Surf Sweets are yummy and safe for your family, great for holidays, to use in recipes or would be sweet party treats or stocking stuffers. 

I was happy to find that you can buy Surf Sweets at Whole Foods, Buy Buy Baby, and other stores selling healthy foods and products. You can also buy Surf Sweets Online at places like Amazon.com and others. 


Surf Sweets also has partnered with The OceanProject.org the largest network ever formed to focus on ocean conservation. The Ocean Project works with over 1,000 partner aquariums, zoos, science museums and other educational organizations to inform, educate and protect our planet's oceans.  That means a lot to me - as I am passionate about protecting our planet's oceans and all of the creatures living in them.


I received a complimentary sampler pack of several varieties of Surf Sweets organic candies in exchange for an honest review/opinion. I received no monetary compensation.  I was not required to write a positive review.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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It All Comes Out in the Wash.... {Review of Purex Triple Action Formula}

1/23/2012 02:41:00 PM The Quirky Thoughts of Retro Girl


My life is hectic...I work "3/4 time" part-time, am raising a super-active 3.5 year old preschooler who is struggling with Sensory Processing Disorder, and am always busy taking him to occupational therapy or doing OT & sensory activities at home or on the go. We go to church and attend small group each week, and take our son to Tae Kwon Do on Saturdays. We work hard, play hard and create mounds of laundry - the amount of which astounds me sometimes considering we're a family of three.

I feel like I am constantly doing laundry. I joke and say laundry is my hobby. This is where my love of Purex comes in. (I know...Lady get a life! ha ha! Well, it's the life I've got...might as well love it!) I have always liked Purex and with the amount of laundry I do that's great because they have a good product at such a great price. I was thrilled to become a Purex Insider not too long ago and try their Purex Crystals softener.  I quickly became hooked on them too! :) 

So anyway...Purex sent me a bottle of their new Triple Action formula liquid laundry detergent to try. Their R&D scientists have been busy over the last year creating an even better Purex formula - that will give you even better cleaning power for half the price of other leading brands and it has been specifically formulated to work in all washing machines (Including those fab & fancy high efficiency machines...stuff my laundry fantasies are made of lol. I have just the standard econo-model washer/dryer.) The new Purex is designed to improve brightening, too. They will be rolling this out soon across their entire line of liquid detergent products. Some of the other varieties include:  Natural Elements, Linen & Lilies and Lilac & White Lavender  as well as After the Rain, Lavender Fresh, Original Fresh and Free & Clear.

I tried the 33 load size of the Mountain Breeze scent. I like this scent because it is so fresh but not overpowering. At first, I thought this new formula wasn't that much different than the original Purex I'd been using...until I did a load of kid clothes. I washed a load of my son's preschool/daycare clothes. Woah - Moms, you've gotta try this. I had several items of my son's clothes that were really dirty that I set aside to try with this new Purex. They had finger paint, play-dough, dirt, and food stuck to them. EVERY SINGLE ITEM came out clean and bright. I thought the shirt covered in paint was trashed...or that there would be some oily-ghost stains from the food or play-dough....but nope. All clean and fresh smelling! I'm sold...I do not feel I need to spend a lot of money on high priced detergents. I get the job done easily, and quickly with Purex. With our crazy-busy life, that means a lot to me. 

Check out Purex's website for coupons and other savings & promotions. They're currently giving away 10,000 coupons a day for 5 days! You can even download a Laundry Helper App for iPhone or App for Blackberry! How cool is that?! Connect with Purex on Facebook for other info/offers!

Keep your eye out for Purex New Improved  Triple Action formula - it's coming to a store near you very soon!

I received a complimentary 33 load sized bottle of Purex Triple Action detergent in exchange for an honest review/opinion. I received no monetary compensation.  I was not required to write a positive review.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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HEY Chicago - Win a Trip for 2 to New York City!!

12/09/2011 03:15:00 PM The Quirky Thoughts of Retro Girl

Hey Chicago - here's your chance to enter the "My City - My Music" Concert Sweepstakes.  How fabulous is that?!

Fuse and XFINITY have come together to give you a chance to win a full day and night of enjoyment in New York City! One lucky winner will win a trip for two to New York City along with pair of tickets to the concert of their choice at a Madison Square Garden venue, a music prize pack including an MP3 player and headphones, a gift certificate to download your favorite music and a pair of tickets to enjoy a night on the town at any local New York City museum or attraction! 


photo from city profile.com




To enter, simply head to http://fusemycity.com/ and fill out the quick registration form! This sweeps is only open to residents of Illinois and ends December 26th! 


How's that for a Christmas present?!



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SPD...OT...IEP...ABC-123: Entering the Acronym Jungle!

11/15/2011 09:33:00 PM The Quirky Thoughts of Retro Girl

It has been almost 2 months since our son Isaac was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). He began Occupational Therapy (OT) about 6 weeks ago, and I've been reading, researching, talking with other SPD moms through online support groups and to a friend at work who also has a "Sensational Kid" - just trying to learn as much as I can so that I can help Isaac in every way possible. I am learning my way through "Acronym Jungle" as well....

We've been making our home sensory friendly so that Isaac can get the sensory input he needs. We've purchased a weighted lap blanket, large yoga ball, porcupine balls, hand-fidget balls/toys, chewy necklace for his oral-motor issues, a mini-trampoline, sit/hop ball and exercise bands for the heavy work he craves.

He has been attending a Little Ninjas - Tae Kwon Do program that teaches balance, coordination, focus, memory, self-control, discipline, teamwork. He recently graduated up to a yellow belt. It's been a challenge for him to focus and follow directions but they feel he's making progress!

Our biggest issue so far is dealing with our daycare and Isaac's behaviors/reactions there due to his SPD. He often copes with a fight or flight reaction - he'll either throw things or do slobbery/spitty raspberries or just dash out of the classroom and into the hallway. This is not good. When he gets to a point of sensory overload or anxious because his sensory-seeking behaviors prevent him from being able to self-regulate and control his impulses. He sometimes reacts in ways that are silly and socially inappropriate. Some of it is because he's 3 years old but mostly due to SPD - not something he can control. He's not a bad kid - he just needs to learn coping and self-regulation strategies....thus the need for O.T.

It doesn't help that the main teacher for this class has a bit of an attitude and can be very negative. She claims she adores him and wants nothing but to help him, but then balks at any ideas, tools or strategies we have for trying to get him to calm down or self-regulate in class. She often rolls her eyes when talking to me and is just plain rude. It's exasperating and recently I kinda let her have it - told her I really didn't appreciate the negative snotty attitude and that I felt it caused Isaac to be stressed out. She's always very negative in front of him. The director, however, is so nice, she is trying to work with us to do whatever they can to help, and to work with Isaac and the teachers to help Isaac control himself and to keep him enrolled there, so I can keep my job. They have to operate at full capacity however, so they have limited resources to be able to give Isaac special attention or go the extra mile to use some of his special 'accoutrements'. 

His therapist has said she's starting to think that the best thing for him at 3.5 years old, may be to go to preschool, to be in a more structured environment. A special needs preschool program. Maybe go to preschool for a few hours and to daycare a few hours each day. Maybe a different daycare? Maybe preschool only? We are not sure yet....something we need to figure out.

So, I took him for an evaluation at the school in our district this past week, so they could identify his areas of developmental need and for what programs he may qualify. The speech pathologist that screened Isaac was surprised and impressed that he actually scored high on many of their evaluations - she felt he was advanced in several areas.

We have an appointment to return to the school next week to review their evaluation and the services they can offer/feel that Isaac needs and their recommendation on what to do next. We will find out if/how he can get an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and begin to formulate a plan on where to go from here.

At first it was a bit difficult to let it sink in that my son is a special-needs child and will deal with SPD his whole life. This is not something that goes away, that he will grow out of or can be healed. (Sorry grandparents - this is not Isaac "just being a boy" and something he'll outgrow or that his teachers and parents just being too picky) There may be other issues that surface as we go forward with occupational therapy. His OT casually suggested that there is a small possibility he may have ADD or ADHD issues - but that this can not be properly/legitimately evaluated and diagnosed until a child is at least 4 or 5.

It's been a bit overwhelming dealing with all of this and thinking of the years ahead - the issues we may face, how we will have to advocate for him, try to protect him, guide him and help him, support him with positive reinforcement and encouragement. We love this precious boy with all our hearts and want the very best in life for him. I hope I can rise to these challenges and be the best mom I can be for him...my sensational, beautiful son.


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Crunchy, Sweet & Healthy! Sante Nuts Review & Coupon Code

10/11/2011 08:48:00 PM The Quirky Thoughts of Retro Girl

If you've read my blog recently, you'll know I've been on a quest recently for healthy snacks for my family. We are always on the go and like handy, healthy snacks. I also like cooking meals that are quick, simple, healthy and tasty. The easier it is to prepare - the more we like it. That being said -- I was thrilled to get the opportunity to try Sante Nuts.

I received a sampler box that contained the Candied Pecans, Candied Walnuts, Garlic Almonds, and the Roasted Salted Pecans.  These nuts are slow roasted in small batches in organic oils with a secret technique that minimizes the amount of oil the nuts absorb, leaving them very light, crisp and crunchy and lower in fat. The ingredients they use are all natural; they are gluten free and are kosher!  I read this article at the Mayo Clinic website that says nuts are a heart healthy food.

The company owner, Sara Tidhar suddenly found herself as a single mom with no income and to provide for her children, she began roasting nuts in her kitchen and selling them. You can read her story here - Sara's Story.

Our Experience:
We tried all 4 varieties of Sante Nuts. We've eaten them right out of the bags by hand. I find them to be very light, crisp and crunchy as advertised They're tasty, with just a very light seasoning that is just right. The candied pecans and walnuts are not too sweet or sugary, and the roasted salted pecans are just right. The garlic almonds are very flavorful and are sweet but have a slight bite - they have a touch of  cayenne and black pepper that gives a unique taste. Sante Nuts are full sized, large pecans halves, whole almonds and walnut halves - not crushed or broken in the bag. They were very fresh and the resealable bag has kept them fresh after repeated openings.

Besides eating them by hand - the following are ways I've tried Sante Nuts:
  • Broken into pieces and tossed into breakfast cereal (candied pecans & walnuts)
  • Broken tablespoon put with yogurt for snack or breakfast
  • Added to my own custom snack mix for my son (with organic cereal, dried fruit bits, organic pretzels
  • Salads - tossed candied pecans & walnuts with dried cranberries, salad greens - eaten with raspberry viniagrette (Photo Below). (Could add spiced pear halves for a pear & walnut salad!)

Haven't tried it yet - but thought of crushing the garlic almonds and trying to use as a coating for baking boneless chicken breasts or perhaps orange roughy fish. Check out these Recipes at the Sante Nuts website. There are so many different ways you could use these nuts for snacks, in baking and cooking. What are your favorite ways to incorporate walnuts, pecans and almonds into your cooking and snacking? Submit your own recipe to Sante....


You can buy Sante Nuts online - in 4 oz and 5 oz bags. The prices run between $3.29 and $4.29 per bag depending on variety - which I think is reasonable, compared to most other premium nuts.

COUPON CODE
Sante Nuts has offered a special coupon code for readers of Retro Girl: Surviving The Suburbs.
You can get a 25% discount on any order at SanteNuts.Com - Just enter the code below at checkout. This coupon is good for orders through December 16, 2011. Please feel free to share this code via Twitter, Facebook, email - however you wish. Just in time for your holiday entertaining & baking needs!
CODE:   2011-Blog-040

I received complimentary bags of Sante Nuts in exchange for my honest opinion and a review of my experience. I did not receive any other compensation or incentive nor was I required to write a positive review. Individual results or experiences may vary. You may obtain more detailed information, ingredients, allergy and/or nutritional data from the company's website. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 
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Freschetta - Proud to Support Pink Prize Pack Winner!

10/11/2011 06:23:00 PM The Quirky Thoughts of Retro Girl

A Huge thank you to Freschetta for sponsoring the Proud to Support Pink giveaway!



Thanks to all who participated - tweeted, liked, followed, posted!! Thanks for helping spread the word about Proud to Support Pink - in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! (Don't forget those self-exams and mammograms, ladies!)


A random winner was drawn for the using Random.org, as shown below:
The randomly chosen winner is comment #36 - JEN


Winner notified via email - and has 48 hours to respond to claim her prize....or another random winner will be selected.

Thanks again to Freschetta for graciously sponsoring this giveaway and all you are doing to support breast cancer research!

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Freschetta Pizza Prize Pack Giveaway!

10/03/2011 09:14:00 PM The Quirky Thoughts of Retro Girl

I have never been a big fan of frozen pizza. That was until I tasted Freschetta's Simply Inspired Bruschetta Pizza. It is light, crispy, and super delicious! I was pleasantly surprised at how fresh it really tasted! My family really enjoyed trying this pizza and will definitely buy it again.

Freschetta makes frozen pizza that doesn't taste frozen. They use real ingredients, and have a wide variety of pizzas to fit any taste. They have the classic Freschetta pizzas, Brick Oven Pizzas, Simply Inspired specialty pizza line, California Style, Naturally Rising to name a few. They even sell pizza crust so you can come up with your own pizza masterpiece. You can check out all their products HERE.


October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 
I am sure you are wondering--What does this have to do with Pizza?! (Well besides that almost all guys LOVE pizza and boobs?!) Well, now that I have your attention, let me tell you....




Freschetta is doing their part for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They're doing their part to support research by presenting the Freschetta Proud to Support Pink program. Until October 31st - when you purchase specially marked packages of Freschetta Pizzas and Artisan Pizza Crusts you will be helping reach Freschetta's goal of a $50,000 donation to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Specially marked packages are printed with codes that you can enter at www.proudtosupportpink.com  For each code entry - the makers of Freschetta products will donate a $1 to this center to support breast cancer research - up to $50k !

Freschetta's site also has a place for people to share their breast cancer journey or the journey of their friend or loved one. These stories will be displayed on the site and on Freschetta's Facebook page to inspire all who read them. They're also giving away 50 pink iPod Shuffles each week in October!!!   Additionally, 50 pink iPod Shuffles will be donated each week in October to four cancer centers around America to be enjoyed by breast cancer patients during treatment.  How cool is that?!



THE GIVEAWAY 
One of my lucky readers will win a Freschetta A coupon to try a FREE Freschetta Pizza of your choice, and Two (2) pairs of Freschetta Proud to Support Pink earphones! One pair is for the winner to keep, and one pair is for the winner to share with their friend/family member as a reminder of proactive health!

HOW TO ENTER:

Mandatory Entry
**Please visit Freschetta's website and tell me what your favorite Freschetta Pizza is - or which one you'd like to try. - Please include your email address in your comment.

Bonus Entries: Leave a separate comment for each of the following: 
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 11:59pm on Monday October 10th 2011. Winner will be drawn at random and notified via email. Winner has 48 hours to respond with physical mailing address to collect prize. Alternate winner will be drawn if no response. Open to USA Residents.

Disclosure:  I received a coupon for a free Freschetta Pizza and 2 pairs of Proud to Support Pink earphones in exchange for my honest opinion and help in promoting the campaign to promote Breast Cancer Awareness. My thoughts, and opinions are solely my own. I received no other monetary compensation and was not required to provide a positive review. Please see product website for ingredients, allergy info and product nutrition info.
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